countyscore
32.2
County Score
Cost of Living 65Schools 56Weather & Climate 53.8

County Report Card

About Hockley County, Texas

Significant Gaps in National Ranking

Hockley County's composite score of 32.2 is well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality-of-life profile that struggles to meet nationwide expectations in infrastructure and health. It sits in the lower third of counties for overall composite performance.

Below the Texas Average Line

The county's score of 32.2 places it below the Texas average of 41.9. While it provides certain rural advantages, it lags behind the state's higher-growth regions in most categories. It remains a more affordable but less serviced alternative within the state.

Extreme Affordability and Solid Schools

Housing affordability is the county's standout feature, with a cost score of 65.0 and a low median rent of $813. The school score of 56.0 is also a relative strength, outperforming many other dimensions. This makes it a feasible location for those prioritizing low monthly expenses.

Critical Water and Health Issues

Water quality is a severe challenge, with a score of just 2.7, alongside a low health score of 10.4. Safety is also a concern at 11.6, while the income score of 24.6 reflects lower-than-average wages. These factors suggest a significant need for infrastructure investment.

Suited for Ultra-Low Cost Living

Hockley County is a choice for individuals who need the lowest possible cost of living and are comfortable with limited utility and health infrastructure. It is not recommended for those with chronic health needs or high expectations for water quality. Its value lies almost entirely in its cheap real estate.

Score breakdown

Tax13.6Cost65Safety11.6Health10.4Schools56Income24.6Risk48.6Water2.7Weather53.8
🏛13.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨16.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Hockley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hockley County

via TaxByCounty

Hockley moderately taxed nationally

At 1.480%, Hockley County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.199%, placing it in the 62nd percentile. Despite modest home values of $112,700, the median tax of $1,668 remains well below the national median of $2,690.

Above average for Texas

Hockley County's 1.480% effective rate ranks above Texas's 1.276% state average, positioning it among the higher-taxing counties statewide. The median property tax of $1,668 sits 24% below the state median of $2,193 due to lower home valuations.

Moderate for the Panhandle

Hockley's 1.480% rate sits between Hemphill (1.164%) and Hill (1.234%), making it moderately taxed for West Texas. The lower absolute tax bill ($1,668) reflects rural property values more than competitive positioning.

What $112,700 home costs yearly

A median-priced Hockley County home generates $1,668 in annual property taxes under standard conditions, or $2,574 with a mortgage. That's approximately $139 per month—relatively affordable despite the above-average tax rate.

Appeal agricultural overvaluations

Agricultural and rural properties in Hockley County sometimes carry inflated assessed values; an appeal based on comparable farmland sales can yield significant savings. Filing a challenge is free and many successful appeals reduce taxes by 10–20%.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hockley County

via CostByCounty

Hockley offers South Plains affordability

Hockley County renters spend 17.8% of income on rent, slightly above the national ideal but genuinely affordable in real-world terms. With median income at $54,810—below the national median—the county's $813 rent makes housing one of life's easier expenses.

Below-average burden in West Texas

Hockley's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio undercuts Texas's 18.1% state average, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties. At $813 monthly rent, this South Plains county beats even the state median by 16%.

Cheapest rents in the entire group

Hockley's $813 median rent is the lowest here—$133 cheaper than Hemphill and hundreds less than Hays or Hood. Even homeowners pay modestly at $690 monthly, making this rural West Texas county the budget choice overall.

Housing costs just $1,503 monthly

Renters allocate 17.8% of the $54,810 income to rent, while homeowners commit 15.1% to mortgages—combined roughly 33%. This leaves households more income for healthcare, education, and savings than most Texas counties.

West Texas's best affordability bet

Hockley delivers genuine value: $813 rents, $112,700 home prices, and a 17.8% rent burden that won't bankrupt you. If you're willing to embrace West Texas plains living and lower incomes, Hockley offers the most breathing room in this county set.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hockley County

via IncomeByCounty

Hockley County well below national average

Hockley County's median household income of $54,810 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $19,945—a gap of 26.7%. The county ranks among lower-income communities nationally, reflecting economic constraints in the Texas plains.

Below Texas average in household earnings

Hockley County's median household income of $54,810 falls 15.4% below Texas's state average of $64,737. With per capita income of $30,131 running 9.3% below the state average of $33,197, the county faces income challenges across demographics.

Lowest earner among sampled counties

Hockley County's $54,810 median household income ranks it among the lowest in this eight-county sample, trailing even Hidalgo County ($52,281) only narrowly. The county's plains economy shows limited high-wage employment relative to regional peers.

Housing costs moderate but consequential

Hockley County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% is relatively favorable, with housing consuming less than 1 in 5.6 dollars of gross income. At $112,700, median home values are quite affordable, leaving modest income households with financial flexibility.

Build savings despite income constraints

Hockley County households earning at the median should prioritize automating small savings amounts and exploring employer 401(k) matches, no matter how modest. The county's affordable housing enables even lower-income households to redirect funds toward emergency reserves and long-term investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hockley County

via CrimeByCounty

Hockley Faces Elevated Crime Rates

Hockley County holds a safety score of 95.8, slightly below the national average for security. The total crime rate of 2,628.6 per 100K exceeds the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Trailing the Texas Safety Mean

Within Texas, Hockley County’s crime rate of 2,628.6 per 100K is higher than the state average of 2,052.5. This results in a safety score that sits just below the statewide mean of 96.8.

Local Challenges in West Texas

While neighbor Lubbock County often reports higher urban crime, Hockley County faces its own challenges with 6 local reporting agencies. The local violent crime rate of 735.1 per 100K is significantly higher than the state average.

Violent Crime a Pressing Concern

Property crime stands at 1,893.5 per 100K, but the violent crime rate of 735.1 per 100K is a significant concern for officials. This indicates a higher risk of physical incidents compared to many other Texas counties.

Bolster Your Home Defenses

Increased awareness and home security systems are important for residents in this area. Strengthening community ties and home defenses can help mitigate the risks associated with current crime trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hockley County

via HealthByCounty

Hockley County faces steep health decline

Hockley County's 71.0-year life expectancy is the lowest in this dataset, falling 3.5 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. With 24.1% reporting poor or fair health and 22.5% uninsured, the county's health crisis is acute.

Texas's shortest life expectancy here

At 71.0 years, Hockley County has the lowest life expectancy in this Texas comparison, falling 3.3 years below the state average of 74.3 years. The 22.5% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 19.8%, compounding health access challenges.

Hockley struggles most among peers

Hockley County's 71.0-year life expectancy is the shortest in the entire comparison, trailing Hays County by 8.4 years and Hood County by 5 years. Its 24.1% poor/fair health rate ranks among the highest, reflecting severe underlying health issues.

Providers available but residents can't afford them

Despite having 61 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 84 mental health providers per 100,000—relatively strong availability—Hockley's 22.5% uninsured rate means many cannot access care. The combination of economic hardship and lack of coverage is driving the county's dismal life expectancy.

Coverage is urgent in Hockley County

With the nation's lowest life expectancy in this dataset and high uninsured rates, getting covered in Hockley County is a health emergency. Medicaid and marketplace subsidies can help—visit healthcare.gov or call 211 today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hockley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education Across Six Districts

Hockley County manages 15 public schools serving 4,687 students in the region. The infrastructure is built around 5 elementary and 4 high schools to support its growing student body.

Consistent Performance and Quality Spending

The county achieves a 91.2% graduation rate with a per-pupil investment of $7,521, which slightly exceeds the state average. This support helps maintain a school score of 55.3, matching the Texas state average.

Levelland ISD Anchors the Region

Levelland ISD is the county's largest district, educating 2,691 students across 6 campuses. Traditional public education is the standard here, as the county hosts no charter schools.

Rural Roots with Accessible Campuses

Most schools are in rural locales, leading to an average enrollment of 312 students. Levelland High School is the largest campus at 745 students, providing a balanced environment between intimacy and opportunity.

Quality Education in a Rural Setting

Hockley County offers a stable educational environment with graduation rates that meet state expectations. Find your family's next home near Levelland for a focused and supportive school experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hockley County

via RiskByCounty

Hockley is close to national average risk

Hockley County's composite risk score of 51.43 ranks it as "Relatively Low" and only slightly above the national average. The West Texas county benefits from relative safety compared to many peers despite concentrated wildfire and tornado exposure.

Near-average risk for Texas

With a score of 51.43 versus the state average of 49.00, Hockley County is almost exactly at Texas's mean risk level. The county's West Texas location creates specific hazards while avoiding the extreme exposure of coastal or eastern regions.

Safest of the West Texas cluster

Hockley County's 51.43 score is notably lower than the surrounding panhandle region, positioning it as the safest county in its area. The county's more moderate overall risk reflects its distance from both coastal hurricane zones and east Texas flood zones.

Wildfire and tornado are primary hazards

Wildfire risk stands at 76.18 and tornado risk at 74.55, making severe weather and drought-fire the county's main vulnerabilities. All other hazards—flood (24.78), earthquake (29.23), and hurricane (25.99)—are well below statewide averages.

Focus on severe weather and wildfire coverage

Hockley residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wind damage from tornadoes and straight-line winds, and verify wildfire coverage is included or available. Maintain defensible space around structures and stay weather-aware during spring severe season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hockley County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler High Plains Weather in Hockley

At 59.4°F, Hockley County's annual average temperature is lower than the typical Texas figure and closer to the national median. This semi-arid climate is characterized by significant elevation and dry air.

A Refreshing Break from Texas Heat

Hockley County is notably cooler than the state average of 65.5°F. It also receives just 18.3 inches of rain, making it much drier than the average Texas county.

The Snowiest Corner of the Region

Unlike many parts of Texas, Hockley receives 6.2 inches of annual snowfall. This winter precipitation is a defining characteristic compared to counties further south or east.

Distinct Seasons and Moderate Summer Heat

Summer temperatures average 77.8°F, which is milder than most of the state. However, the county still sees 87 days per year where the mercury hits 90°F or higher.

Prepare for Cold Winds and Dry Spells

Residents need effective home insulation to handle a winter average of 41.1°F and potential snow. Xeriscaping is recommended to accommodate the low 18.3-inch annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hockley County

via SoilByCounty

High Plains Alkaline Profile

Hockley County has strongly alkaline soil with a high pH of 7.90. This significantly exceeds the national median of 6.5 and is one of the highest averages in the state.

Sandy Loam Texture Mix

The soil contains 53.9% sand, 24.6% silt, and 21.5% clay. This sandy loam texture makes it relatively easy to work but requires management to prevent wind erosion on the open plains.

Moisture Buffer Capabilities

Organic matter levels are 1.51%, sitting just below the state average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.137 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a decent moisture buffer.

Restricted Subsurface Drainage

The soil belongs to hydrologic group D, indicating restricted water movement through the profile. This is common in the High Plains where caliche layers or high clay subsoils can block drainage.

Hardy Zone 7b Crops

Zone 7b supports robust cotton and grain sorghum production. Local gardeners should focus on salt-tolerant plants and soil amendments that help lower the high pH for better nutrient uptake.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hockley County

via LawnByCounty

Dry Climate Lawn Challenges

Hockley County is a difficult place for lush lawns, scoring just 29.0 on the difficulty scale. This Zone 7b county struggles with a climate that is significantly tougher than the national median of 50.0.

Low Precipitation Hurdles

A lack of moisture is the primary hurdle, as the county only receives 18.3 inches of annual rain. With 87 days of extreme heat and a shorter growing season, managing water resources is the top priority for any homeowner.

High Alkalinity and Fast Drainage

The soil is notably alkaline at 7.90 pH, which can lock out essential nutrients for your grass. The high sand content of 53.9% ensures drainage is fast, but it means you must water more frequently to keep roots hydrated.

Severe Drought Risks in West Texas

Drought is a recurring factor, with 17 weeks spent in drought conditions over the last year. Currently, 41.5% of the county faces severe drought (D2+), requiring strict adherence to local water restrictions.

Choosing Native, Hardy Species

Look for native, drought-hardy species like Buffalograss or Blue Grama that can handle the alkaline 7.90 pH soil. Wait until after the April 9 frost date to start your lawn, ensuring the ground is warm enough for germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hockley County's county score?
Hockley County, Texas has a composite county score of 32.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Hockley County rank among counties in Texas?
Hockley County ranks #201 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Hockley County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hockley County is $1,668, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Hockley County a tax score of 13.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hockley County?
The median household income in Hockley County, Texas is $54,810 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hockley County earns an income score of 24.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hockley County, Texas a good place to live?
Hockley County scores 32.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #201 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hockley County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Hockley County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.